Discover Unique Museums in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a sprawling cultural hub with an enormous amount of established museums and galleries to visit. However, there are a plethora of distinctive, often smaller, places to glean knowledge of the city and its culture that may not appear on many “top 10” lists. Here are some locations that, although obscure for many, are worth a visit for their illustrative character and idiosyncrasy.
Follow the Money: Héctor Carlos Jansen Numismatic Museum
In a country where the foreign exchange is volatile and closely followed, visiting the Central Bank’s museum of Argentina’s coins and notes is of particular relevance. With 20,000 pieces ranging from indigenous currency to the new banknotes depicting animals, this museum takes you through the evolution and crises of Argentine currency. Keep a lookout for banknotes featuring Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, and George Washington. There are screens and audio in English available in every room, along with temporary art exhibitions on the ground floor.
Celebrate a Cooking Icon: Doña Petrona Museum
This little museum is a tribute to Petrona Carrizo de Gandulfo, one of Argentina’s television pioneers and author of the omnipresent cookbook El Libro de Doña Petrona. Visitors announce their arrival in the uniform clothes store on the ground floor. Once admitted, you will find every edition of her encyclopedic cookbook alongside aprons and kitchen supplies donated by her family to commemorate the woman who taught generations of Argentines how to cook classic meals. The museum focuses on preserving her memory, including cooking courses and a small gift shop.
Discover the History of San Isidro: Quinta de los Ombúes
Yes, there is a world outside of the teeming city center. In the picturesque suburb of San Isidro, you can experience the best views of the river by visiting the 19th-century garden Quinta de los Ombúes. It’s complemented by a permanent exhibition of the area’s history, which includes the famous cathedral just a few steps away. Every third Saturday of the month, historical reenactments of the civil war occur, complete with real cannon fire. Legend has it the national anthem was sung here for the first time by its most famous resident, Mariquita Sánchez de Thompson.
Learn About Hearing Technology: Hearing Aid Museum
“Audimex” is an unassuming establishment that sells and repairs hearing aids, but it also serves as the only museum dedicated to hearing aids in Latin America. The proud owner, Gabriel Beker, gives enthusiastic tours in Spanish between seeing patients and customers, explaining how headphones from 1910 worked and how hearing aids developed from the 1950s. He dreams of one day having a bigger space to showcase his impressive collection and raise awareness about audio-diversity. For now, this bustling little store, clinic, and museum possesses undeniable charm.
Marvel at Idiosyncratic Art and Architecture: Xul Solar Museum
Located in the Palermo neighborhood, the former mansion of the eccentric painter and inventor Xul Solar has become a museum to showcase his work, which includes uniquely colorful paintings and inventions (such as a peculiar chessboard). The presence of the panlengua language he invented is also featured. Beyond the often bizarre body of work, the architecture of the museum merits recognition, as its design juxtaposes the old house with a new, modern structure that allows for beautiful natural light while protecting the artist’s work from sun damage.
Dive Into Argentina’s Bedrock Popular Culture: Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández
Comprised solely of temporary exhibitions, this museum and gallery focuses on exploring Argentine creole culture through art and installations, incorporating both old and new interpretations. The exhibits portray the emblematic gaucho (cowboys), offer educational displays on cultural staples like mate, and showcase beautiful artisanal handiwork. With an outdoor patio to relax in, this enjoyable museum is worth visiting repeatedly as it continuously changes what’s on display.
Stroll Through Argentine Daily Life: City Museum
Home to a collection of artifacts designed to evoke nostalgia in every Argentine, the Museo de la Ciudad immerses visitors in the impact of everyday objects and how their utility has evolved over the decades. From how we get our news to the cameras we used to capture memories, just a few steps away from the emblematic and busy Plaza de Mayo you can take a quick, free tour that encapsulates the Buenos Aires nostalgia felt in many aspects of its culture, such as tango and football.
